The waves are characterized by periodic and continuous movements. Thanks to this, the precise description of the behavior of phenomena such as the vibrations of a particle or a body is possible.
The waves are defined as the propagation of a disturbance of a property (magnetic field, electrical, pressure, etc.), through a medium that can be air, water or even vacuum, where an energy transport is carried out more than matter.
The propagated physical magnitude can be expressed as a function of position or time. With reference to the material waves, it is important to emphasize that it is necessary for them to propagate through an elastic medium, as this can deform and recover as the waves pass.
Main characteristics of waves
After having studied and analyzed the waves in depth, it was concluded that they possess certain elements that allowed scientists to discover new characteristics of the same at present.
Amplitude
The amplitude is the maximum distance or elongation of the vertically calculated wave. It can also be defined as the displacement of the wave from the equilibrium point to the valley.
Cycle
The cycle of a wave consists of the path or oscillation, from the node where the crest path begins, to the node where the valley path begins.
Crest
The crest of a wave is defined as the highest part of a wave or the maximum saturation point of the wave in relation to the equilibrium position.
Elongation
The elongation of a wave is defined as the distance or perpendicular displacement made between the position of equilibrium of the wave and the position of it in a given time.
Frequency
The frequency of the wave is the number of waves that occur in a specific unit of time, where these waves advance a distance equal to l (Hz = cycles / s). That is, it is the repetition of waves in a certain time.
Wavelength
The length of a wave is defined as the distance between two valleys or two crests. The length of a wave is also defined as the minimum distance between two vibrating particles that have the same size and the same elongation or distance at all times.
This magnitude can be expressed in meters (m), kilometers (km) or in any other unit of length accepted internationally.
Node
The node of a wave is defined as the point where the wave crosses the line or the point of equilibrium.
Period
The period of a wave is defined as the time that passes while creating a complete wave, or the time during which one particle achieves a complete vibration to the next.
Valley
The valley of a wave is defined as the lowest part of a wave in relation to the equilibrium position of the wave.
Propagation speed
The speed of propagation of a wave is defined as the space that a wave has traveled in a certain time.
References
- Amplitude Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Frequency Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Phase Velocity. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Wave Characteristics. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Brightstorm: brightstorm.com
- Wave. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Wavelength. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org